Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has instructed police commissioners nationwide, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to ensure comprehensive security arrangements for a planned peaceful demonstration by retired police personnel.
Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the directive in a statement, also cautioning against the dissemination of misleading information surrounding Monday’s nationwide protest.
“The IGP has ordered that the rights of our retired officers who have chosen to protest must be protected, and the protest should serve as a model of dignified expression of grievance,” Adejobi said.
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He claimed that certain narratives were being intentionally distorted to undermine both the federal government and the current leadership of the force.
He clarified that the retired officers’ demand to withdraw from the Contributory Pension Scheme is not a new issue, noting that previous IGPs had supported this agitation.
However, he explained that progress has been hampered by legal restrictions, complexities involving various agencies, and financial limitations.
He issued a strong warning against attempts by some individuals to politicise the legitimate concerns of the retirees, describing such actions as ‘disruptive and manipulative.’
Adejobi expressed disappointment, stating, “It is disheartening to observe how certain actors have chosen to politicise a sensitive welfare issue, weaponising the legitimate grievances of our retired colleagues for ulterior motives.”
Consequently, Adejobi said the IGP has directed all Commissioners of Police to ensure the demonstration proceeds peacefully within their respective areas, particularly in the FCT and other states where formal notification has been received.
Their directives include providing adequate security for the protesting former colleagues, preventing the demonstration from being hijacked by troublemakers, political figures, or unauthorised agitators, and educating their officers on the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
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He said the IGP urged officers to treat their retired colleagues with the utmost respect, while strategically deploying resources to safeguard lives, maintain public order, and protect the institution’s integrity.
Adejobi appealed to the protesters themselves to ensure their demonstration remains peaceful.
